Living in Los Angeles means having the best of both worlds. You get the electric energy of a world-class city, but you also have incredible nature right at your fingertips. Hiking is a core part of Angeleno culture; it’s how we unwind, stay fit, and find a little peace above the hustle. This guide is your curated list of the best hikes in the LA area, perfect for everyone from first-timers to seasoned trail experts.
Having the right home base makes all the difference for an active lifestyle. For residents of The Wilder apartments, some of the best outdoor activities Los Angeles has to offer are just a short trip away, with the iconic Griffith Park basically serving as a massive backyard.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy coastal walks with panoramic ocean views to challenging mountain climbs with high elevation gains.
- Key destinations like Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and the Santa Monica Mountains provide unique experiences, including views of the Hollywood Sign and stunning waterfalls.
- Choosing the right hike depends on your needs, including difficulty, dog-friendliness, and parking availability. This guide breaks down the best options.
- Living at The Wilder provides unparalleled access to some of LA’s best hikes, with amenities designed to support an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
Top LA Hikes for Every Skill Level
Whether you’re looking for a quick morning walk or an all-day adventure, Los Angeles has a trail for you. We’ve grouped our favorite hikes by difficulty to help you find your perfect match.
Easy & Scenic Hikes: Perfect for Beginners and Quick Outings
These trails prove you don’t need a huge elevation gain to get a huge visual payoff. They’re ideal for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for the best views without a grueling climb.
Runyon Canyon Loop
- Location: Hollywood Hills
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 ft
- Vibe: Social, trendy, and great for people-watching. It’s one of those quintessential LA scenes with incredible views of the city.
Pro-Tip: There is very little shade, so go early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. It’s also one of the most popular dog-friendly hikes, with designated off-leash areas.
Solstice Canyon Loop
- Location: Malibu
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 600 ft
- Vibe: Relaxing and historical, with beautiful coastal and canyon scenery in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Pro-Tip: This trail features the stone ruins of a tropical home that burned down decades ago and a seasonal waterfall. The parking area fills up quickly on weekends, so plan accordingly.
Moderate Hikes: A Good Workout with Great Rewards
Ready to break a sweat? These trails offer more of a challenge with a noticeable trail with an elevation gain, rewarding you with some of the best panoramic views in the greater Los Angeles area.
This trail is very exposed to the sun, so bringing plenty of water is non-negotiable.
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
- Location: Pacific Palisades
- Distance: 4.4 miles (one-way)
- Elevation Gain: ~1300 ft
- Vibe: A steady, rewarding climb that leads to one of the most breathtaking coastal views in all of LA.
Pro-Tip: The final lookout point at Parker Mesa Overlook offers stunning panoramic views stretching from Malibu to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This trail has limited shade, so bring a hat and water. It’s located within the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains.
Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop
- Location: Griffith Park
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 650 ft
- Vibe: The ultimate LA hike. You get iconic, postcard-worthy views of both the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.
Pro-Tip: This hike is perfect for residents of nearby neighborhoods, as multiple trailheads offer different experiences. For a shady, peaceful start, check out the Fern Dell Nature Trail at the base of the park.
Strenuous Hikes: Challenge Yourself with a Rewarding Climb
For experienced hikers looking for a serious workout, these trails feature significant elevation gain and rugged terrain that will put your endurance to the test.
Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
- Location: Altadena (Angeles National Forest)
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
- Vibe: A historic hike up to the ruins of a mountaintop resort from the 1890s, known as the “White City.”
Pro-Tip: This trail is very exposed to the sun, so bringing plenty of water is non-negotiable. The ruins at the top offer a fascinating glimpse into LA’s past, set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Los Angeles Hiking Quick-Compare Guide
With so many amazing trails, choosing one can be tough. Use this chart to quickly compare some of LA’s most popular hikes based on what matters most to you.
| Trail Name | Best For | Dog-Friendly? | Parking Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon | People Watching & City Views | Yes (Off-leash areas) | Difficult (Street parking only) |
| Los Liones Trail | Unbeatable Ocean Vistas | Prohibits on Trails | Easy (Street parking) |
| Griffith Park (Observatory Trail) | Iconic LA Landmarks | Yes (On-leash) | Challenging (Paid lot & limited street) |
| Solstice Canyon | A Shady Walk & History | Yes (On-leash) | Challenging (Small lot, fills fast) |
The Wilder: Your Basecamp for LA Adventures
An active, outdoor-focused lifestyle is so much easier when your home is designed to support it. The Wilder’s location offers unbeatable proximity to Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. It means world-class hiking trails are just a short drive or bike ride from your front door, allowing you to seamlessly blend city living with daily doses of nature.
Amenities That Support Your Active Lifestyle
The Wilder offers supportive amenities that are practical solutions for the modern hiker. Take a look below at what you would be coming home after your next trip:
- Premier Fitness Center: Perfect for a pre-hike warmup or for cross-training on your rest days to stay in peak condition.
- In-Home Washer & Dryer: A must-have for getting dust and dirt out of your hiking gear right after you get home.
- Bike Storage: For those who prefer to cycle to a nearby trailhead, secure bike storage makes it easy and convenient.
- Sky Deck & Outdoor Lounge: The absolute best spot to relax, recover, and enjoy incredible views of the city you just saw from the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in LA
Many LA trails are dog-friendly! Runyon Canyon is famous for its off-leash areas. Most trails in Griffith Park and the Santa Monica Mountains welcome leashed dogs. However, some strictly prohibit dogs on trails so always check park-specific rules before you go.
For a true challenge, many seasoned hikers point to Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) or the Bridge to Nowhere hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. These involve high elevation, long distances, and rugged terrain.
Yes! While many are seasonal, you can find beautiful waterfalls on trails like Escondido Falls in Malibu, Millard Canyon Falls near Altadena, and Switzer Falls in the Angeles National Forest, especially after a good rain.
For solo hikes, well-trafficked and clearly marked trails are best. Many routes in Griffith Park, Franklin Canyon Park, or the main loop at Solstice Canyon are great options where you’ll feel safe but can still find moments of solitude.
Start Your Los Angeles Adventure from The Wilder
Los Angeles is a true hiker’s paradise, with a seemingly endless number of trails to explore. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, iconic views, or just a quiet moment in nature, there’s a hike waiting for you.
Living at The Wilder means this world of adventure is right outside your door. It’s the ultimate home base for those who want to blend upscale city living with unparalleled access to the great outdoors. Ready to see how your life fits? You can schedule a tour of The Wilder today.
